Polyelectrolyte multilayer supported Pt nanoparticles as catalysts for methanol oxidation

Abstract

Pt nanoparticles are synthesized within polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) via ion exchange and in situreduction, and electrocatalytic performance of the composite films for methanol oxidation is studied. The ion exchange and in situreduction process is monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy, and the morphology of the Pt nanoparticles is characterized by transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction. UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results indicate that the content of Pt nanoparticles can be controlled by varying the salt concentration in the PEM assembly process and the number of exchange/reduction cycles. The electrocatalytic properties of the PEM-supported Pt nanoparticles for methanol oxidation are investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The composites exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity, superior tolerance to poisoning and long-term stability.